• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.686-692
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• 2016

This study was done to investigate the antidiabetic effect of ethanol extract from Platycodon grandiflorum root in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of STZ at a dose 45mg/kg.b.w. dissolved in citrate buffer(pH4.5). The ethanol extract of Platycodon grandiflorum root was orally administrated once a day for 7 days. The contents of serum glucose, triglyceride(TG) and total cholesterol were significantly decreased(p<0.05) in Platycodon grandiflorumt root treated group compared to the those of STZ-control group. Also the contents of hepatic glycogen and HDL-cholesterol, the activities of glucose-phosphate dehydrogenase(G-6-PDH) and glucokinase(GK) were significamtly increased (p<0.05). These results indicated that ethanol extract of Platycodon grandiflorum root would have antidiabetic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.244-249
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• 2003

To investigate the hepatic oxygen free radical metabolizing system and changes of serum cholesterol levels in rats fed a diet supplemented with Monascus pigment (MP), Sprague-Dawley rats weighing about 300 g have been fed a diet supplemented with 2% or 4% MP for a month. The rats fed 2% MP supplemented diet gained less body weight than the control rats and those fed 4% W supplemented diet. Those fed 2% or 4% MP supplemented diet had no remarkable changes in liver function on basis of liver weight/body weight, serum levels of xanthine oxidase, alanine amino transferase activity In rats fed 2% and 4% MP supplemented diet, hepatic cytochrome P45O dependent aniline hydroxylase activity significantly (p<0.05) declined about 32%, 37% respectively and showed no significant differences between rats fed 2% and 4% MP supplemented diet whereas those fed 2% MP supplemented diet showed about 29% increased hepatic xanthine oxidase activity. And hepatic glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase activites in rats fed 2% MP supplemented were more increased by about 17%, 28% respectively than the control rats. There were no significant differences both in between those fed 2% and 4% MP supplemented diet. Especially rats fed 2% or 4% MP supplemented diet showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in hepatic catalase activity by 41%, 25% compared with control rats and those fed 4% MP supplemented diet showed more decrease in tendency of catalase activity than those 2% MP supplemented diet. But hepatic superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content were appeared to be similar value among three groups. On the other hand, rats fed 2% MP supplement diet showed 17% increased levels of serum HDL-choresterol and 26% decreased value of LDL-cholesterol and serum level of triglyceride. But no different value were appeared between those fed 2% and 4% MP supplemented diet. Especially in those fed 2% and 4% MP supplemented diet, artherogenic index were significantly (p<0.05) declined by 37%, 29% respectively compared with control. In conclusion, it is likely that rats fed a diet supplemented with a proper quantity of MP may have the potential of oxygen free radical detoxication and lowering of artherogenic index.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.8
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• pp.1139-1147
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• 2014

We investigated whether or not Schisandra chinensis (SC), a traditional herbal medicine, has protective effects against alcohol-induced fatty liver and blood alcohol clearance. Two tests focused on acute intoxication and chronic ethanol treatment were carried out. For the chronic ethanol treatment test, rats were fed ethanol by intragastric administration everyday for 8 weeks to induce alcoholic fatty liver. Ethanol treatment significantly increased blood alcohol concentration at 90 min after acute ethanol intoxication. Compared with the two ethanol-treated groups, rats administered ethanol along with SC extracts showed an approximately 13% increased blood alcohol clearance rate at 360 min. Chronic ethanol treatment significantly increased serum and hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels, and caused fatty degeneration of liver. Ethanol treatment also elevated the serum total-cholesterol (TC) level. However, after feeding of ethanol plus SC extracts, ethanol-induced elevation of hepatic TG levels reversed, whereas elevation of serum TG and TC levels was not observed after treatment with SC extracts. Ethanol treatment significantly increased ${\gamma}$-GT, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase activities after 8 weeks. Compared with the ethanol-fed group, rats administered ethanol plus SC extracts for 4 weeks showed attenuated fatty degeneration as well as decreased hepatic function test values. SC administration also significantly increased intracellular lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and reduced steatosis score and hepatic TG levels, as measured by biochemical and histolopathological analyses. Our results indicate that the protective effects of SC are accompanied by a significant decrease in hepatic TG levels, thereby suggesting SC has the ability to prevent ethanol-induced fatty liver, by reducing hepatic TG and enzyme levels in alcoholic rats.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.414-420
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• 1998

We studied the difference effects of dietary ${\alpha}-linolenic\;acid\;({\alpha}-LA,\;18:3\;n-3)$, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) on the lowering of triacylglycerol in the liver and serum on lipid metabolism in rats. Rats were fed semipurified diets containing 10% fat with constant polyunsaturated/monounsaturated/saturated fatty acids (1:1:1) and n-6/n-3 ratio (1:2). EPA (98%) and DHA (98%) were added in diets as the ethyl esters. The concentration of liver triacylglycerol was significantly lower in rats fed both EPA and DHA than in those fed ${\alpha}-LA$. The concentration of liver phospholipid was significantly higher in rats fed DHA than in those fed ${\alpha}-LA$ and EPA. Both EPA and DHA reduced serum triacylglycerol concentration compared with ${\alpha}-LA$, but this effect was more pronounced in the EPA diet. The activity of phophatidate phosphohydrolase in the liver microsome was significantly lower in rats fed both EPA and DHA than in those fed ${\alpha}-LA$. but, there was no significant difference on the activities of diacylglycerol acyltransferase among the three groups. The concentration of liver triacylglycerol were correlated with changes in the microsomal phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity (r=0.84). Hepatic NADPH generating enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was more effective to reduce the activity in rats fed both EPA and DHA than in those fed ${\alpha}-LA$. In conclusion, EPA or DHA reduced the hepatic triacylglycerol concentration by inhibiting microsomal phosphatidate phosphohydrolase, thereby inhibiting synthesis of triacylglycerol in the liver.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.423-429
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• 2010

In this study, we examined the anti-diabetic activity in vitro by the mixed Korean herb water extracts(JDG) composed of Lycium chinense, Cordyceps militaris, and Acanthopanax senticosus on hepatic glucose-regulating enzyme activities such as glucokinase(GK), acetyl-CoA carboxylase(ACC), and inhibition activity of $\alpha$-glucosidase. The hepatic cytosol fraction of a type II diabetic animal(Goto-Kakizaki rat) was used in GK and ACC activity assays. JDG mixed water extracts significantly increased the hepatic GK and ACC activity. The highest anti-$\alpha$-glucosidase activity was observed in JDG 5 water extract when compared to the acarbose control, inhibitor of $\alpha$-glucosidase. We suggest that Lycium chinense, Cordyceps militaris, and Acanthopanax senticosus mixed water extracts may exert an anti-diabetic activity by enhancing the glucose metabolism and may be used as natural $\alpha$-glucosidase inhibitors in type 2 diabetic conditions.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.125-131
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• 2002

The present experiment was performed in order to know the therapeutic effect of laserpuncture and aquapuncture with methionine on recovery in artificially induced hepatic damaged rats by carbon tetrachloride. The animals were divided into control, laserpuncture and aquapuncture groups. The changes of serum enzyme activities(ALT and AST), serum total protein contents, protein fractions(ALB and GLB) and A/G ratio were examined before and after application of laserpuncture and aquapuncture. In change of serum ALT activity, recovery with treatment in laser and aquapuncture groups was more rapid than that of control. The significant decreased value was shown on 3rd(P < 0.05) and 7th day(P < 0.01) after treatment in laserpuncture group and on 7th day(P < 0.05) after treatment in aquapuncture group. In addition, significance was detected on 2nd day(P < 0.05) between laserpuncture and aquapuncture groups. In change of serum AST activity, recovery with treatment in laserpuncture and aquapuncture groups was more rapid than that of control. The significant lower values on 7th day(P<0.01) in aquapuncture groups. In addition, significant low value was detected on 7th day(P < 0.05) in aquapuncture group comparing with that of laserpuncture group. The change of serum TP contents showed similar pattern in control, laser and aquapuncture groups. The significances were detected on 7th day(P < 0.05) in both experimental groups. In addition, significant high value was detected on 2nd day(P < 0.05) in laserpuncture group comparing with that of aquapuncture group. The change of serum ALB content with treatment in laser and aquapuncture groups was more rapid than that of control. The significant high value was shown on 2nd(P < 0.01), 5th(P < 0.05) and on 7th day(P < 0.01) in laserpuncture group. In addition, significant high value was detected on 3rd day(P<0.01) only in aquapuncture group comparing with laserpuncture group. The change of serum GLB content showed similar pattern among groups. The significant low values were detected on 2nd day(P < 0.05) in aquapuncture group. In addition significant high value was detected on 5th day(P < 0.01) only in laserpuncture group comparing with that of aquapuncture group. In change of A/G ratio laser and aquapuncture groups showed higher values than that of control. The significant high values were detected on 1st day(P < 0.Of) and 2nd day(P < 0.05) in laserpuncture group, and on 1st day(P < 0.05) and 2nd day(P < 0.01) in aquapuncture group. In addition, significant high value was detected on 5th day(P < 0.05) in aquapuncture group comparing with that of laserpuncture. Considering above findings collectively, it was considered that both laserpuncture and aquapuncture were effective; aquapuncture was more effective than laserpuncture for recovery of hepatic damage.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.275-283
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• 2011

This study was conducted to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effects of three phytoestrogens, genistein, coumestrol, and enterolactone, in type 2 diabetic animals. Forty male C57BL/KsOlaHsd-db/db mice were used as a diabetic animal model. The animals were divided into four groups and fed a phytoestrogen-free AIN-76 diet (control), or one of three phytoestrogen-supplemented (3.75 mg/100 g diet) AIN-76 diets for six weeks. During the experimental period, fasting blood glucose levels were measured on week 0, 2, 5, and 6 of the experiment, and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed on the 5th week. After the experimental period, blood concentrations of HbA1c, insulin, and glucagon were measured, and hepatic glycogen content and glucose regulating enzyme activities were analyzed. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c level, and the area under the blood glucose curve in the oral glucose tolerance test were significantly lower in all of the phytoestrogen-supplemented groups compared to the control group. Plasma glucagon levels were also significantly lower in all of the phytoestrogen-supplemented groups compared to the control group. Hepatic glycogen level was significantly higher in the coumestrol-supplemented group compared to the other groups. However, there were no significant differences in the activities of glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase between the groups. These results suggest that all of the three major phytoestrogens tested in the present study were effective in lowering blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic animals. However, further studies need to be conducted to elucidate the exact mechanism for the hypoglycemic effects of phytoestrogens.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.1562-1569
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• 2004

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs)-enriched diet supplemented with different levels of $\alpha$-tocopherol on the activities of hepatic lipogenic-related enzymes and the contents of liver and plasma lipid fractions in laying Tsaiya ducks. A total of 180 30-wk-old laying Tsaiya ducks, at the beginning of peak production, were allotted into 6 treatments with 3 replicates each. Ducks were fed one of the 6 experimental diets, containing 4% tallow (control), and 4% fish oil supplemented with graded levels of $\alpha$-tocopheryl acetate ($\alpha$-tocopherol) at 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg, respectively, for 6 wks. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum throughout the experimental period. The results indicated that the n-3 PUFAsenriched diet supplemented with different levels of $\alpha$-tocopherol did not affect (p>0.05) egg weight, feed intake, body weight change or liver and abdominal fat weights. Egg production, egg mass and feed efficiency significantly (p<0.05) improved as dietary $\alpha$-tocopherol levels increased. The activities of hepatic lipogenic-related enzymes including acetyl-CoA carboxylase (EC 6. 2. 1. 3; ACC), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1. 1. 1. 49; G-6-PDH), ATP-citrate cleavage enzyme (EC 4. 1. 3. 8; CCE), NADP-malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.40; NADP-MDH) and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) were higher (p<0.05) in birds fed with the tallow diet than in those fed with fish oil diets and increased with increasing dietary $\alpha$-tocopherol levels. None of the dietary treatments significantly affected the contents of triglyceride and total cholesterol in the liver, or total cholesterol, phospholipid and total lipid in the plasma. However, the contents of phospholipid and total lipid in the liver, and triglyceride in the plasma increased as dietary $\alpha$-tocopherol levels increased. Increasing dietary $\alpha$-tocopherol levels decreased the non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) content in the plasma and trended to decrease the cholesterol contents in the egg yolk. The lipid metabolism of laying Tsaiya ducks was influenced not only by the dietary fat but also by the supplementation levels of $\alpha$-tocopherol.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.6-16
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• 2019

Purpose: Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Pine needles (Pinus densiflora seib et Zucc) are a traditional medicine used to treat dyslipidemia in clinical settings. This study examined the potential effects of sulgidduk, a Korean traditional rice cake containing pine needle juice to protect against dyslipidemia induced by a high-fat/sugidduk diet in a rat model. Methods: Twenty one male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into three groups: normal control (NC), Sulgidduk diet (SD), Sulgidduk diet containing pine needle juice (PSD). The blood lipid levels, production of lipid peroxide in the plasma and liver, total cholesterol and triglyceride in the liver and feces, antioxidant enzyme activities in plasma and erythrocytes were measured to assess the effects of PSD on dyslipidemia. Results: A high-fat/Sulgidduk diet induced dyslipidemia, which was characterized by significantly altered lipid profiles in the plasma and liver. The food intake was similar in the three groups, but weight gain and food efficiency ratio (FER) were reduced significantly in the PSD group compared to those in the SD group. The level of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and TBARS in the plasma showed tendencies to decrease in the PSD group compared to those in the SD group. The levels of high-fat/Sulgidduk diet-induced sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) gene expression were reduced significantly in the PSD group. The supplementation of PSD reduced the hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol levels significantly, and enhanced the fecal excretion of triglyceride and hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the SD group. Conclusion: These results suggest that the addition of 0.4% pine needle juice to Sulgidduk may be an alternative snack to control dyslipidemia.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.308-318
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• 1997

The present experiment was performed in order to know the treatment effect of aquapuncture with hepatonics on recovery in artificially induced hepatic damaged dogs by carbon tetrachloride. The animals were divided into a control and two experimental groups (aquapuncture with taurine into Gan-su acupoint: Aa-I group and aquapuncture with taurine into blank acupoint in the thigh: Aa-II group). The changes of serum enzyme activities (ALT, AST and ALP), serum total protein contents, protein fractions and pathohistological findings of the liver were examined after application of aquapunctiuf treauent The results obtained through this experiment were summarized as follows : The serum ALT activities tendeded to decrease in experimental group compared with those of control group. Significances were detected at 5th (p<0.05) and 7th (p<0.05) day in Aa-I group and 7th day (p<0.05) in Aa-II group, respectively. Low value was fecund in Aa-I group compared with Aa-II groups but significance was not observed between two experimental groups. The serum AST activities in experimental group showed decreasing tendency compared with those of control group. Significances were observed at 2nd (p<0.05) and 5th (p<0.05) day in Aa-I group and 2nd (p<0.05) day in Aa-II groups respectively. Aa-I group showed lower values than those of Aa-II groups however, no significance was detected between experimental groups. The serum ALP activities of experimental group showed a slight decrease compared with those of control group, however, significance was not detected among all groups. The serum total protein content in experimental group showed tendency of increase compared with control group. Significance was found at 2nd day (p<0.05) in Aa-I group, but there was no significance in Aa-II group. Further significant increase of total protein content was seen at 1st day (p<0.05) in Aa-I group compared with Aa-II group. The change of serum albumin content in experimental group showed tendency of increase compared with control. Significant increases were detected at 1st (p<0.01) and 2nd (p<0.01) day in Aa-I group, respectively. Aa-II group showed increase compared with control groups but significance was not observed. Further significant increase was at 1st day (p <0.05) in Aa-I group compared with Aa-II group. The change of ${\beta} $-globulin in Aa-I group was slightly decreased compared with control group. Aa-II group was similar to controls but significance was not observed among all groups. The change of P-globulin content in Aa-I group showed tendency of increase compared with control and Aa-II group showed the tendency of decrease compared with control. The change of ${\gamma}$-globulin content experimental group showed tendency of increase compared with control, however, significance was not detected among groups. The change of A/G ratio in Aa-I group showed tendency of increase compared with control group and Aa-II group was similar to controls but no significance was found among groups. As for pathohistological observations the grade of hepatocellular vacuolized degeneration and necrosis in Aa-I group was milder than those of control and Aa-II groups and the change of Aa-II group was similar to that of control. Considering above finding collectively, it was thought that aquapuncture of Gan-su acupoint with hepatonics was more effective than aquapuncture of blank acupoint for the recovery of hepatic damage.